This decision was based on my clients universal rejection of keeping a journal of any kind. Their complaints ranged from "inconvenient" to "time consuming" to "makes me think about food all day." My clients overwhelmingly considered a journal a major hindrance to successful weight loss.

Now that I've personally experienced the many joys of documenting each mouthful of food in this food journal, I can completely understand their hostility towards journals. Food journals have no place in a weight loss effort with one huge exception…

Keep A Food Journal Before You Begin To Lose Weight

After keeping a diet diary I can see tremendous value in the information it provides. For instance, if I was overweight and wanted to lose 12 pounds in a year my only concession would be giving up my nightly chocolate Longhorn. That's it! I would lose 12 pounds if I ever gave them up and didn't replace the calories. NO OTHER CHANGES REQUIRED.

I recommend keeping a seven day personal food journal BEFORE you begin losing weight. You can analyze your healthy food calories compared to your fun food calories. Reduce soda so you can lose weight without major diet change.

While fast food causes obesity for some, you may discover fast food is not the culprit you originally thought. Or that you're eating the equivilent of a 29 pound per year weight gain when you gobble up a Snickers bar everyday.

Review this fourth week of my diet diary and one thing should be glaringly apparent; I EAT WELL — STOP WHEN FULL. Adopt that single characteristic and the only result can be a naturally thin future. Mathematical fact. My food journal and the healthy foods I choose validate this fact.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO EAT LIKE A GOAT TO ENJOY A NATURALLY THIN FUTURE. My food journal proves it.

Food Journal Fact -- My clients were absolutely right! Keeping a food journal for the purpose of losing weight will only complicate the problem. Use a food journal to determine what you're eating now so you can define what to eat in the future and still lose weight comfortably and easily without the punishment of another fad diet.

FRIDAY - Russ and I are meeting for lunch at Chuy’s Tex-Mex restaurant today! It’s the original location by Barton Springs Pool. We’ve been eating there for 20 years, a real favorite.

SATURDAY - Only two days left until my food journal is complete. I can’t wait to review and analyze the information. Today is always the toughest day of the week. I stop by McDonald’s and go grocery shopping, followed by a day of playing never ending catch up.

Dinner - 6:00 p.m. (653 calories) I met politico Karl Rove at the supermarket. I introduced myself and said hello. He was gracious and friendly. Barbecue brisket is a Texas treat. Requiring hours of smoking over low heat before reaching maximum flavor and tenderness. Smoked salmon is a perfect compliment to brisket. Poor boys surf and turf.

SUNDAY - Last day of this food journal. Bought an already roasted whole turkey breast at the grocer store yesterday. Made my own dressing, potatoes and gravy and had a mini Thanksgiving dinner. Wasn’t real hungry at breakfast so I made a fruit salad.

Dinner - 5:00 p.m. (1,171 calories) This is my “wrap party” for the completion of my food journal. These were not small portions and I licked the plate. Now let’s see what all this means. I’m anxious to find out myself.

New! Comments

IMPORTANT READ THIS: Foolproof Weight Loss Solution (FWLS) requires time to read, understand and apply. To achieve results with FWLS you must follow the system as outlined. The information and contents of FoolproofWeightLossSolution.com, or any product, service or communication are not to be used as replacement or substitute for medical, psychological or professional care. The information, content and strategies offered may not be suitable or applicable for your individual or personal situation. The publisher/author urge you to consult with your physician and get his/her approval before beginning this or any weight management program.